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What is Colchicine
ColchicineThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryColchicine was approved by the FDA in 1961 and is a drug derived from the Colchicum autumnale plant, also known as the autumn crocus. It is used to treat gout, which is a condition that causes painful joint inflammation due to urate crystal deposits. Colchicine is also approved to manage flares of Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF), a genetic disorder that causes inflammation.
Probenecid and Colchicineis the brand name
Colchicine Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Probenecid and Colchicine
Colchicine
1982
59
Approved as Treatment by the FDA
Colchicine, commonly known as Probenecid and Colchicine, is approved by the FDA for 3 uses which include prophylaxis of Gout Flares and Gout Flares .prophylaxis of Gout Flares
Gout Flares
Familial Mediterranean Fever
Effectiveness
How Colchicine Affects PatientsColchicine is a drug used to reduce pain caused by gout and Familial Mediterranean fever flares. It works by blocking the pathways that cause inflammation, however it can be dangerous if not taken properly as its therapeutic index (the amount of a drug needed for it to be effective) is very small.
How Colchicine works in the bodyColchicine works to reduce inflammation by preventing cells from multiplying. It does this by blocking the mitotic activity of cells in the cell cycle, and by interfering with pathways that promote inflammation. On a molecular level, colchicine binds to tubulin, forming complexes that block the growth of microtubules which then stops cell multiplication.
When to interrupt dosage
The magnitude of Colchicine is contingent upon the diagnosed disorder, including Gout Flares, Pericarditis and Postcommissurotomy Syndrome. The dose fluctuates in accordance with the method of delivery outlined in the table beneath.Condition
Dosage
Administration
Familial Mediterranean Fever
0.5 mg, , 0.6 mg, 1.0 mg, 0.6 mg/mL, 0.001 mg/mg
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Topical, Ointment, Ointment - Topical, Solution, Solution - Oral, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, extended release
Postcommissurotomy Syndrome
0.5 mg, , 0.6 mg, 1.0 mg, 0.6 mg/mL, 0.001 mg/mg
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Topical, Ointment, Ointment - Topical, Solution, Solution - Oral, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, extended release
Gout Flares
0.5 mg, , 0.6 mg, 1.0 mg, 0.6 mg/mL, 0.001 mg/mg
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Topical, Ointment, Ointment - Topical, Solution, Solution - Oral, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, extended release
prophylaxis of Gout Flares
0.5 mg, , 0.6 mg, 1.0 mg, 0.6 mg/mL, 0.001 mg/mg
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Topical, Ointment, Ointment - Topical, Solution, Solution - Oral, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, extended release
Behcet's Syndrome
0.5 mg, , 0.6 mg, 1.0 mg, 0.6 mg/mL, 0.001 mg/mg
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Topical, Ointment, Ointment - Topical, Solution, Solution - Oral, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, extended release
Pericarditis
0.5 mg, , 0.6 mg, 1.0 mg, 0.6 mg/mL, 0.001 mg/mg
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Topical, Ointment, Ointment - Topical, Solution, Solution - Oral, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, extended release
Postpericardiotomy Syndrome
0.5 mg, , 0.6 mg, 1.0 mg, 0.6 mg/mL, 0.001 mg/mg
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Topical, Ointment, Ointment - Topical, Solution, Solution - Oral, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, extended release
Warnings
Colchicine has one contraindication and should be abstained from in cases of the conditions listed in the below table.Colchicine ContraindicationsCondition
Risk Level
Notes
Liver Disease
Do Not Combine
Liver Disease
Do Not Combine
Common Colchicine Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Choline C 11
Major
The therapeutic efficacy of Choline C 11 can be decreased when used in combination with Colchicine.
Eliglustat
Major
The metabolism of Eliglustat can be decreased when combined with Colchicine.
Fentanyl
Major
The metabolism of Fentanyl can be decreased when combined with Colchicine.
Aclidinium
Minor
Colchicine may decrease the excretion rate of Aclidinium which could result in a higher serum level.
Acrivastine
Minor
Colchicine may decrease the excretion rate of Acrivastine which could result in a higher serum level.
Colchicine Toxicity & Overdose RiskThe lowest toxic dose of colchicine in mice is 5.87 mg/kg. If someone takes too much colchicine, they may experience abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration within 24 hours. Other dangerous complications can occur within 24 to 72 hours after ingestion, including organ failure and respiratory depression. To treat an overdose, doctors can use gastric lavage and other supportive measures. Unfortunately, there is no antidote to colchicine overdoses. To prevent overdoses, make sure children cannot access colchicine and keep in mind that dialysis is not very effective at removing the drug.
Colchicine Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Colchicine?
Currently, three investigations are being conducted to assess the potential of Colchicine to provide prophylaxis for Gout Flares, Behcet's Syndrome and Postpericardiotomy Syndrome.Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Postcommissurotomy Syndrome
0 Actively Recruiting
Postpericardiotomy Syndrome
0 Actively Recruiting
Gout Flares
0 Actively Recruiting
Behcet's Syndrome
1 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2
Pericarditis
2 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Phase 3
Familial Mediterranean Fever
0 Actively Recruiting
prophylaxis of Gout Flares
0 Actively Recruiting
Colchicine Reviews: What are patients saying about Colchicine?
5Patient Review
4/16/2022 I got gout for the first time a few months ago and was prescribed Colchicine and Prednisolone. The relief came quickly, but so did the diarrhea.
5Patient Review
6/27/2022 I took two pills after my initial attack, and then one more an hour later as the pain persisted. I then took two a day for the next three days, which worked wonders for me.
5Patient Review
4/15/2018 I experienced diarrhea twice while taking this medication, but I know that it was just my body getting rid of all the toxins.
4Patient Review
2/18/2021 I was diagnosed with gout about thirty years ago and have been managing it since then by diet and exercise. Recently, after eating shellfish and red meat, I flared up. Colchicine helped reduce swelling along with an over the counter NSAID for pain.
3.7Patient Review
6/28/2020 Keep in mind that this isn't a pain medication, per se. It's specifically for gout attacks and it needs to be taken within the first 48 hours of the attack happening. With that being said, I've had great results with this treatment.
3.7Patient Review
9/14/2022 I was recently diagnosed with gout and given Colchicine. The medication helped with the swelling and pain, but I experienced some severe diarrhea as a side effect. My doctor is monitoring my uric acid levels to see if I need to be on a maintenance drug.
3Patient Review
2/14/2022 I was recently prescribed this medication for autoimmune & inflammation. I've only taken it the last 2 days & had to cut my dose 0.6mg in half because it made me very sleepy. Anyone have this side effect?
2.3Patient Review
6/7/2018 Unfortunately, I had explosive diarrhea about 15 hours after taking the first dose. Then again 30 minutes later. It's a good thing I was at home and not out--I would've needed to throw away my clothes otherwise.
2Patient Review
1/24/2018 This drug didn't do much to relieve my gout pain, unfortunately. I was still in a lot of discomfort despite taking it for a week. Indomethacin provided relief within six hours, though, so I would recommend that instead.
2Patient Review
9/21/2019 I found that this treatment did nothing to help my gout flare-ups. However, when I was prescribed prednisone in addition to colchicine by Urgent Care, the combination worked almost immediately. My regular doctor won't prescribe steroids, however, and each time I have an attack I'm unable to walk for a day because of the pain.
2Patient Review
1/10/2022 I took this medication for four days when I had a gout flare-up. Unfortunately, it didn't provide any relief.
1.7Patient Review
4/16/2019 I've tried colchicine before with limited results. I found that by drinking 3-5 liters of water per day and removing red meat from my diet, I was able to reduce the severity and duration of gout attacks. Additionally, taking 800mg every four hours during an attack has made life much more bearable. Not sure what will happen when I get older, but for now this is working well.
1Patient Review
12/31/2017 Unfortunately, this drug didn't work for me at all. I have tried it twice now and still see no results. Indocine is the only medication that has been effective for my gout in the past.
1Patient Review
6/7/2018 I started taking this medicine and very quickly developed intense knee pain. This got worse the longer I took the colchicine, but as soon as I discontinued use of the drug, my knees felt better again. I'm not sure if there's a causal relationship here, but I know that I won't be taking this medication again just in case.
Patient Q&A Section about colchicine
These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.Is colchicine a high risk medication?
"Colchicine is an alkaloid that comes from Colchicum autumnale (autumn crocus, meadow saffron) and Gloriosa superba (glory lily). It is used to treat gout and some other inflammatory conditions. However, it is considered a high-risk medicine because it can be very harmful if not used correctly."
Answered by AI
What are the side effects of taking colchicine?
"The following are symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning: black, tarry stools; blood in the urine or stools; a burning, "crawling", or tingling feeling in the skin; difficulty with breathing when exercising; a fever with or without chills; large, hive-like swellings on the face, eyelids, mouth, lips, or tongue; muscle weakness; numbness in the fingers or toes (usually mild)."
Answered by AI